Up-to-the minute updates and insights from the Red Wings locker room at home and on the road. By Chuck Pleiness of The Macomb Daily.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Franzen cleared to practice tomorrow

Johan Franzen will practice with the Red Wings tomorrow. The forward, who has been sidelined by headaches, hasn't played since Game 1 of the Western Conference final. Franzen did not speak with the media today.

He likely will not play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final.

"He's going to be available, I don't know at what point," said coach Mike Babcock. "We're real optimistic. Doctors make those decisions. I don't think he's going to play in Game 1. But anytime after that (he might play)."

"He's ready," said Babcock. "There's no coaching perspective in this. It's all doctors. He's tipping pucks in the back of the net. He's flying around at 100 miles an hour. ... He's ready to go. He's just got to get the OK."